I encourage you to read this blog post.
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LIFE
I want to introduce you to our niece. When she was eight it was discovered she needed a kidney transplant, her mom was a good match and donated her kidney. A few years later that kidney failed and the hunt was on again for another kidney. For years she was on dialysis at home, done during the night while she slept. About three years ago she received another kidney and it seems to be functioning well.
She's had a lot of things against her, she's hearing impaired, wears glasses, has awful teeth, has thyroid problems, and she's mentally challenged. The public schools where she lives have provided wonderful services for her. She was allowed to 'graduate,' and after graduation she was able to continue attending school in 'life skills' classes. That's over now. She's aged out of those services.
A lot of things are changing for her. She's also aged out of using the children's hospital, and the doctors she's known since she was eight. I think she's 23 now. She's receiving some monthly SSI benefits. Health insurance is a very important topic at her house.
She will never be able to live independently, never drive a car, or be responsible for taking her medications.
She's home now with no place to go. She's bored. Neighborhood girls that grew up with her have gone off to college or gotten jobs.
Recently a new grocery store was built near them. That store has a program for special people like our niece. She now has a job. She sacks groceries four hours a day, four days a week. Oh my goodness, has that ever done a world of good for this young woman. It's been a tremendous confidence builder. Her self image is greatly improved. Last week a woman shopper tipped her $20. Restored my faith that there are still good, caring, thoughtful Americans.
President Trump, and Republican members of Congress, don't even think of taking away this young woman's benefits. She's not a lazy American, nor a leech on society.
Oops, that turned political. Sorry about that.
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GOOD DAYS
An interesting blog post.
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POLITICS
I miss the Obamas.
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I found this article very interesting.
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KNITTING
I started this sock some time ago but set it aside. Occasionally I find myself in a dilemma, such was the case today. Not all sock yarns are created equal. Some are thin, some are thick. This one is thick. It's lofty. My go to size needle for knitting socks is #1. I should have used a larger needle with this yarn. This is the first sock. I looked at it and debated ripping it out but I hate to give up that knitting and ribbing.
If I can stand it to the finish it will make wonderful socks. I prefer knitting socks at a tight gauge because they wear longer. I tried bamboo needles but the yarn did not slide well so Hiya Hiya Sharps here we come.
